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EC cracks whip on Akali-BJP govt
SAD loyalists given security
to influence voters: Khaira
All Congress top guns will misfire, claims Badal
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SAD leaders violated code at martyrs’ function: Cong
Arun Jaitley in Amritsar on Monday. photo: vishal kumar
Capt takes on Jaitley on ‘majboor neta’ remark
Congress, SAD bank on
MLAs, six in poll fray
Huge anti-incumbency against SAD-BJP Govt, says Ashwani
In High Court, government opposes CBI investigation into drug racket
State BJP chief Kamal Sharma with Arun Jaitley at the opening of a media centre in Amritsar on Monday. Photo: Vishal Kumar
SAD leaders question Capt on House attendance
Cong leaders akin to lost cattle, says Majithia
Will enter poll fray if told, says Bhattal
Rain-fed breaches spell misery in Abohar
Inundated fields following a breach in Daulatpura minor near Abohar . tribune photo
Hans to campaign in Bathinda
PPSC exam: Candidates cry foul, authorities undeterred
Need to diversify economy: Experts
Notification on renaming Sunam disregarded
YAD factions create ruckus at poll rally in Bassi Pathana
‘Abducted’ Hoshiarpur girl returns
Gujarat farmers to campaign for AAP candidates in state
Bus with marriage guests rams into trailer; four killed
In Gurdaspur, AAP nominee goes full throttle; Cong, BJP yet to start campaign
‘Dowry’ death: Fazilka villagers allege police inaction
Power theft case
Book on Fazilka released
Protest after student run over by bus
Armymen’s widows have right to benefits on remarriage: HC
30 years on, HC relief for I-T officer
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EC cracks whip on Akali-BJP govt
Chandigarh, March 24 The Punjab poll authorities, meanwhile, have been awaiting a reply from the Election Commission on the issue of an Akali Dal function organised on the occasion of Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib. The Additional Chief Electoral Officer said, “Our report has clarified that no political rally was held on the occasion. We have also seen the CDs and found nothing political.” Replying to reasons for a massive public gathering despite “no rally orders”, he said Hola Mohalla was a religious and annual fair. Punjab, as per Election Commission orders, will have 18 expenditure and as many general observers, besides three for police. The five expenditure-sensitive constituencies, Bathinda, Amritsar, Patiala, Ferozepur and Gurdaspur, could be revised in view of the changed profile of candidates of different parties. The commission said almost all the 22,000 poling booths in the state needed to be equipped with either micro-observers or web-casting cameras or video cameras or still cameras.
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SAD loyalists given security
to influence voters: Khaira
Chandigarh, March 24 Attaching a list of “beneficiaries” in Muktsar, Khaira alleged many Akali leaders had been provided security merely due to their close proximity with the Badals. He said Satinderjit Singh Manta, a former PA of Manpreet Singh Badal, who was booked by the Vigilance Bureau in a fraud case in 2011, had been provided four security personnel. Khaira asked the EC to seek a detailed report on the allocation of security personnel in the state since the same was being “used to influence” voters. “Hardeep Singh alias Dimpy, a SAD-BJP halqa incharge of Gidderbaha, too has been given four security personnel only for his friendship with the Deputy CM,” Khaira alleged. Other loyal Akali workers on the list are Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolyanwala, Tejinder Singh Midhukhera, Kamaljit Singh alias Rozy Barkandi, Jagmohan Singh Fattanwala, Gurbakhsish Singh, Kulwinder Singh alias Kaka, Jathedar Haminder Singh Tarmala, Manjinder Singh Bittu and Dinesh Garg alias Tony. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, a first cousin of Sukhbir Badal, had been provided 11 gunmen and Pawanpreet Singh alias Bobby Badal, another cousin of Sukhbir, had been allocated security in complete violation of rules and regulations, he alleged.
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All Congress top guns will misfire, claims Badal
Chamkaur Sahib, March 24 Interacting with mediapersons after addressing a rally in favour of Prem Singh Chandumajra, SAD-BJP candidate from Anandpur Sahib, Badal said, “It is better that all big guns have come in the field because after their defeat, no Congress will exist in Punjab.” On the replacement of Congress nominee and sitting MP Ravneet Singh Bittu with senior leader Ambika Soni, he said “horses should not be changed in the middle of a race”. “As such horses lose the race, the new Congress candidate will also meet the same fate,” he said. Badal alleged the Congress’s decision to field senior leaders “would not make any difference as the electorate had decided to elect Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister”. Replying to a query, he said the Congress could not get any candidate for Bathinda and, therefore, “trapped” (his nephew) Manpreet Badal. “Raninder Singh, son of Capt Amarinder Singh, was defeated by 1.2 lakh votes last time. Now, Manpreet will be defeated by over 2 lakh votes,” he claimed. Addressing a gathering at the Grain Market, the Chief Minister alleged that the Punjab Congress was plagued with factionalism. “Fearing defeat, Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa and his predecessor Capt Amarinder Singh were not keen on contesting the elections. But both managed to trick each other into the contest,” he said. Badal alleged that all ills facing Punjab, including the Rs 32,000 crore debt trap and the industry’s exodus to neighbouring states, were attributable to the Congress-led government at the Centre. While seeking votes for SAD-BJP candidates, he said to ensure Punjab’s development, it was imperative to be part of a government at the Centre. “Once the NDA forms its government, big projects will be brought to Punjab so that employment and business opportunities can be generated,” he said.
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SAD leaders violated code at martyrs’ function: Cong
Jalandhar, March 24 Taking cognisance of a news report that appeared in The Tribune today, Surjit Singh Swaich, chairman of the PPCC election committee (legal), alleged that Badal had asked the gathering to vote for SAD-BJP candidates to ensure a Modi-led NDA Government at the Centre. “Invoking the martyrs and seeking votes is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct. Badal, being the leader of the SAD-BJP alliance, made the speech with Chandumajra's consent," he
said. The complaint further read: “Badal’s speech was telecast by different TV channels. Therefore, his speech was not
only meant for the gathering at Khatkar Kalan but for voters in the entire state of Punjab.” Swaich said the EC website clearly stated that it had no objection to a state function being held to mark the Martyrdom
Day, “provided the speeches of the CM and other ministers remain restricted to the martyrs and no political speech, enumerating or referring to the achievements of the government/party in power, is made”.
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Not the end of road for Sidhu: Jaitley
Amritsar, March 24 On the entirely different picture painted by Sidhu, he merely said he had requested him to consider contesting from Amritsar. Asked whether Sidhu's tussle with the SAD was the reason for his not being fielded from Amritsar, he said he did not want to go into it. "The party was keen that he contested from Amritsar or another constituency. On Sidhu's tirade against the state government over lack of development, he said: "Navjot is a very emotional person. I have seen myself the changes that have taken place in Punjab and Amritsar over the past few years." On Sidhu's performance as MP, he said he had "balanced" various activities but "small incidents disillusioned him towards the end." Jaitley said it was not the end of the road for Sidhu. "We have plans for him and we will use his potential. He will canvass for the party as soon as he has finished his cricket commentary assignment." Jaitley said Sidhu was a completely honest man. "He is charismatic and above board in every sense of the word. The party has used him for campaigning in the country and he is an asset to the party." On his first Lok Sabha election, Jaitley said: "Though I have been a part of various elections, when you are a contestant, the floodlights are on you. As far as Amritsar is concerned, I have lived most of my life in Delhi, but I have my roots here. I am familiar with the city and its people." Asked whether being a native was important, he said: "If somebody from Patiala can contest from Amritsar, why can't an Amritsari living in Delhi return to his roots to fight elections." On the Congress fielding big guns in Punjab, he said there was a tide against the Congress which could not be checked by fielding senior leaders. "If a film has a poor script, merely because it has big actors in the cast won't make it a success," he remarked. Jaitley said: " My first duty is to the country. I would like to see a government which revives India's economy, keeps a watch over India's security and provides a clean government. Both as a Punjabi and an elected MP, I will be concerned with issues of development. Amritsar is a historical city with great cultural significance, which needs better infrastructure and greater trade opportunity via the Attari border. I will take up all these issues with the Centre." On the previous NDA Government giving fiscal concessions to hill states that is believed to have sounded the death knell of the industry in Punjab, Jaitley said: "The Centre gives concessions to backward regions. The more developed states cannot envy these concessions. If they feel handicapped, they can ask for what they need."
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Capt takes on Jaitley on ‘majboor neta’ remark
Amritsar, March 24 “I understand your ambitions to somehow get elected to the Lok Sabha, but I am sorry to tell you that you chose a wrong constituency by trusting a man like Parkash Singh Badal who has simply used you to get rid of Navjot Sidhu,” he said. Amarinder accused Jaitley of double standards. He said while Jaitley criticised his senior party colleague Jaswant Singh for insisting on contesting from his home constituency Barmer, "you have come to contest from Amritsar of which you know nothing." The former Chief Minister reiterated the charge that Jaitley was a “pseudo-Punjabi and a rank outsider”. He said there was nothing wrong in contesting from anywhere in the country but one must not “deceive” voters.
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Congress, SAD bank on
MLAs, six in poll fray Chandigarh, March 24 Rather than relying on political greenhorn or on candidates whose mettle was tested five years ago in the parliamentary elections, both the parties are now relying on MLAs who won the 2012 election with a reasonably good margin. Little wonder, as many as six MLAs are in the fray from both the Congress as well as the Akali camp. The BJP, however, seems to be relying on star power or its old war horses. The Congress has fielded four MLAs, Capt Amarinder Singh (Patiala MLA for the Amritsar seat), Sunil Jakhar (Abohar MLA for Ferozepur), Sadhu Singh Dharamsot (Nabha MLA for Fatehgarh Sahib) and Joginder Singh Panjgraian (Jaito MLA from Faridkot). The SAD has fielded Manpreet Singh Ayali (Dakha MLA from Ludhiana) and Pawan Kumar Tinu (Adampur MLA from Jalandhar). Political observers say the criteria for choosing the MLAs was their winnability. Daljit Singh Cheema, SAD spokesperson, says: "Since the MLAs have just proved their popularity in the assembly elections, they have been chosen over others." The observers also point out that the MLAs are seen more often in their constituencies than most elected MPs. In almost all constituencies where MLAs have been fielded, the grouse of the party workers was that the MPs had remained inaccessible and elusive. Playing safe, parties shun greenhorn n Both the Congress and SAD are relying on MLAs who won the 2012 election with a reasonably good margin n The Congress has fielded Capt Amarinder Singh (Amritsar), Sunil Jakhar (Ferozepur), Sadhu Singh Dharamsot (Fatehgarh Sahib) & Joginder Singh Panjgraian (Faridkot) n Akalis have fielded two legislators, Manpreet Singh Ayali (Ludhiana) and Pawan Kumar Tinu
(Jalandhar)
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Huge anti-incumbency against SAD-BJP Govt, says Ashwani
Chandigarh, March 24 Dubbing his ouster as an “occupational hazard”, he said he still considered himself “privileged” as he had to pay a price in the line of duty. Breaking his silence on the coal block allocation scam, which ultimately led to his resignation as the Union Law Minister in May last year, Ashwani Kumar, in an interview to The Tribune, admitted that his “own partymen conspired against him and that he was sacrificed because of his perceived proximity to the Prime Minister”. Ashwani Kumar had resigned after the Opposition made a political issue of the Supreme Court coming down heavily on the CBI for allowing the Law Ministry to vet the draft of CBI probe report on the issue. The apex court had questioned the credibility of a CBI probe into the coal block allocation scam. However, Kumar said, “On the coal issue, I walked with head high as not a word has been said by the court against me nor did I, at any stage, had to do anything with coal block allocation. In the current transaction of business rules of the government, the CBI is mandated to consult the Law Ministry on legal issues.” The CBI had since stated on affidavit that consultations (with the Ministry) did not affect the central theme of investigations nor was any individual let off in the inquiry, he said. The Congress leader said, “As for being sacrificed, let me only say that these are occupational hazards. I had to pay a price in the line of duty and I consider myself privileged for that. As for my proximity to the Prime Minister, I feel honoured if it is so perceived because till now, I have also received the support of the Congress president at all critical stages. I cannot dispute that my “friends” have always remained hyperactive but I am determined to do what I must, regardless of them,” he said. The former Law Minister, who has his roots in Pathankot, said he expected a tough fight in Punjab, now that the party high command had asked senior leaders to contest the elections. “A very clear signal has been sent out that the Congress must fight collectively for political gains. There is a huge anti-incumbency in Punjab against the SAD-BJP government and we hope to take our message to the people,” he said.
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In High Court, government opposes CBI investigation into drug racket
Chandigarh, March 24 As a petition filed by Jagjit Singh Chahal, alleged aide of “druglord” Jagdish Bhola, for a CBI probe came up for resumed hearing, state counsel Anupinder Singh Grewal placed before the High Court a detailed reply-cum-report. The state claimed in the report that so far 58 persons had been arrested in the racket and unprecedented haul of drugs had been seized. The case will now come up for resumed hearing on May 27. Chahal had earlier alleged “shady, biased and malicious investigations for shielding bigwigs enjoying the patronage of the state”. He had categorically asserted that the media reports and sensational claims of the investigating agency exposed “the unholy nexus amongst drug traffickers and persons occupying key positions in the political and power hierarchy in Punjab”. He had said a CBI probe was, in fact, required in view of “urgent need to unearth the unholy nexus involving officials, ministers, bureaucrats, leaders of political parties and other such persons occupying positions in higher echelons of power and authority with the drug racket in the state of Punjab”. Chahal claimed the investigations currently being conducted were “merely aimed at sensationalising the issue without any real intent to reach at the truth”. Directions were also sought for bringing about police reforms, especially in the area related to separation of investigation police from the law and order police” to ensure speedier probes, better expertise and improved rapport with the people. Chahal said the police in the garb of investigations had unleashed a reign of terror. The process of law was being subverted; and whims and fancies of the officials had taken precedence over rational, objective and defined parameters. Biased probe: PIL *
The reply came on a PIL filed by Jagjit Chahal for a CBI probe * An alleged aide of “druglord” Jagdish Bhola, Chahal was among those arrested in the case *
He had alleged shady, biased and malicious investigations for shielding bigwigs enjoying the patronage of the state *
Also alleged unholy nexus between drug traffickers and those occupying key positions in political and power hierarchy Plea against ‘Fateh rally’ dismissed aThe Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed in public interest alleging that the "Fateh rally" in Ludhiana resulted in harassment of children by the authorities concerned. It was alleged in the petition placed before a Division Bench that children were used in the rally by the authorities concerned to clean the rally ground. The rally was addressed by BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
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BJP candidate evasive on Panthic issues
Amritsar, March 24 State BJP chief Kamal Sharma too refused to reply media queries on the party’s stand on the memorial. Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia came to the BJP leaders' rescue, saying everything was on the record in the Vidhan Sabha. The state BJP had earlier called the memorial "anti-national". Later in an interview to The Tribune, Jaitley said: “I have always been critical of the Operation Bluestar. I think it was a poorly planned without taking into account the long-term consequences on the Sikh community and the country.” On Bluestar Memorial, he said: “My party will never support any action by which any insurgent or terrorist becomes a part of any respectable memoir or history.” On the Anandpur Sahib resolution, he said it was quite possible that on some issues the BJP and tghe SAD did not see eye to eye. He said the SAD, particularly CM Parkash Singh Badal, had been liberal enough to respect BJP concerns too. On Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh’s response on the “outsider” row, he said it was him who had started the debate. "I am glad he has realised where the shoe pinches.” Jaitley said terror groups would try to disrupt the elections. This was evident from the terror module busted in Rajasthan recently. On Kashmiri groups suggesting that the NDA had been more honest than the UPA in addressing their issues, he said the BJP will not allow any bargain or compromise on India’s territory. Jaitley said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had shifted its stand from “anti-corruption” to “anti-Modi”owing to the rapid decline in its support base. He denied there was a move to sideline senior leaders like LK Advani or that there was a rebellion in the party on ticket distribution. He denied to comment on the Jaswant Singh row.
Media centre opened *
Arun Jaitley inaugurated his media centre on Monday * The centre will handle his campaign on the social media, cellphone *
It will disseminate information to the print and electronic media * The BJP's media cell convener Sunil Singla said they had a database of five lakh voters in the Amritsar constituency *
The media centre would keep these voters updated on party activities * He said the voters could raise their issues through their cellphones
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SAD leaders question Capt on House attendance
Amritsar, March 24 In a statement, Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Inderbir Singh Bolaria questioned Amarinder on his attendance in the Vidhan Sabha. They said the Vidhan Sabha had met 88 times in the past seven years but Amarinder had attended only 12 sittings. They said Amarinder was no match to Arun Jaitley. “Jaitley is known for raising public issues in Parliament. He ponderson issues and suggests solutions. But what Amarinder does is rake up personal issues. He always uses unparliamentary language,” said the Akali leaders. They also said Amarinder was never available to the people and party workers. Chandigarh: Akali leader and PRTC Chairman Avtar Singh Brar alleged Capt Amarinder had a history of "letting down" those who elected him to the state assembly. "When he was elected unopposed from Samana in 1992, he came for only two sittings, including the one in which he took the oath of office. The only other time when he attended the Vidhan Sabha, then Chief Minister Beant Singh recited a couplet 'Jogi utar paharon aaya' keeping in view Amarinder's penchant for staying at his palatial house in Himachal Pradesh," Brar alleged.
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Cong leaders akin to lost cattle, says Majithia
Rajpura/Patiala, March 24
He was addressing a rally in favour of the SAD-BJP candidate from Patiala, Deepinder Dhillon. He said the three-time Patiala MP, Preneet Kaur, had failed to bring any major project to the constituency. Referring to Congress leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who will be campaigning for his wife Preneet Kaur tomorrow, the minister claimed he would send the "Maharaja across the fence." Addressing election rallies at Patiala and Rajpura, he said Capt Amarinder Singh, who had lost from Patiala in 1998, had now turned to Amritsar for votes. “Uthon usnu Amritsar dey log aggay tapa den gay (The people of Amritsar will now send him across the border,” he said. Majithia said he was tempted to draw parallels between Congress leaders and domestic cattle. " In olden times, owners would bell their cattle so that they could identify them. Now the Congress high command in Delhi has belled its leaders and sent them to Punjab. I am sure the voters will bell them too and send them off,” he said. The minister claimed the people had no reason to vote for Amarinder, considering his performance as Chief Minister. “During his tenure as CM, free power to farmers was scrapped, schemes for the poor were stopped and a ban on recruitment was imposed,” he claimed. Speaking at a rally earlier, an ill-informed Surjit Singh Rakhra, Cabinet Minister, accused Preneet Kaur of having failed to spend the MPLAD funds.
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Will enter poll fray if told, says Bhattal
Sangrur, March 24 There are reports that the Congress may field Bhattal from Sangrur, replacing sitting MP Vijay Inder Singla. Talking to The Tribune on the phone, Bhattal said she was at the disposal of the Congress high command and would abide by its decision. She, however, added she never sought party ticket from Sangrur. She said she told Sonia Gandhi that the Congress was in a position of winning at least 10 seats in Punjab. Singla said though he did not see any change in his candidature as he had talked to the party high command last night, he would remain a committed party leader if the party decided to do so.
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Rain-fed breaches spell misery in Abohar
Abohar, March 24 Two breaches in sub-canals only worsened the situation for farmers, particularly wheat growers who were expecting a bumper crop. A 30-ft wide breach in Malukpura sub-canal (minor) inundated wheat, barley and mustard crops, besides fruit orchards, with moderate to extensive damage in some villages. Sushil Siyag, sarpanch of Dhingawali village in Abohar, said, “We have informed the Irrigation Circle Office but nobody has so far visited the affected areas.” Another breach, 20-ft wide, was reported in Daulatpura minor near Kallarkhera village. A farmer, Sukhjit Brar, said efforts were on to plug the breach. Reports gathered from the region suggested that farmers in Seetogunno, Rampura Narainpura, Bazidpur, Panniwala Mahla, Gumjal, Achadiki, Bhangarkhera and Usmankhera villages in Abohar sub-division suffered losses ranging from 20 per cent to 45 per cent. Losses have also been reported from Gaddarkhera, Patli, Chamarkhera, Kishanpura, Kikkarwali, Malkana Khurd and Mirzewala in Sriganganagar. A resident, Parwinder Singh, said the hailstorm lasted 15 minutes. He said since there was negligible pest attack this time round, farmers were hopeful of a bumper production. The district administration in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh was finalising arrangements to begin the purchase of wheat by April 1 as the polling for the Lok Sabha elections is slated for April 17. Zamindara Party chief BD Aggarwal and Sriganganagar Municipal Council former president Mahesh Periwal said Rs 10 crore spent recently to ensure smooth disposal of sewage and rainwater had gone waste since most of the localities in district town remained flooded with water till evening. Both the railway under-bridges at Sriganganagar have become non-functional. The attendance in educational institutions in Abohar was thin as residents did not find it safe to send their wards through submerged streets. Markets too wore a deserted look.
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Hans to campaign in Bathinda
Jalandhar, March 24 Hans told the media he would make all efforts to ensure Harsimrat's victory from Bathinda but remained non-committal on supporting Tinu. Hans had created a furore, questioning the party’s decision to field Tinu, whom he called a “fanatic”. It is believed that Tinu had worked Hans during the last parliamentary elections. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had snubbed Hans, terming his utterances as nothing but a drama by an immature politician. But Sukhbir today pacified Hans. Speaking to mediapersons, Sukhbir said: “ Hans told me about his concerns. I assured him that these would be taken care of. He and the Balmiki Samaj will be extensively campaigning in the Malwa belt, particularly Bathinda.” After Sukhbir's departure, a number of Balmiki representatives led by Pawan Bawa announced that they were not satisfied with Sukhbir’s assurances and would ensure Tinu's defeat. A group led by Chandan Grewal chose to remain aloof.
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PPSC exam: Candidates cry foul, authorities undeterred
Patiala, March 24 The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) authorities that conducted the exam yesterday said they would display the answer key to the question paper on their website today evening and give candidates a chance to raise any objections. Over 200 candidates did not take the exam as they expected it to be very difficult. Candidates from the general category get four attempts to crack the exam. Though the PPSC had announced that the paper would be on the pattern of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, students did not expect the difficulty level of the questions to be so high. "The paper carried only five per cent questions related to the state, whereas the PCS exam should ideally frame questions centred on Punjab,” an aspirant said. Another candidate said there were hardly any questions on general studies and current affairs. Dr Harjinder Singh Walia, Director, IAS Centre, Punjabi University, said he was flooded with calls from his students. “Since it is a state-level paper, the PCS aspirants prepare themselves accordingly. Even a few of my students, who are working as teachers, found the paper very difficult. We am taking their feedback and will prepare our students accordingly for next
year,” he said. A renowned teacher from Patiala, who has been instrumental in helping hundreds crack the UPSC and PPSC exams, said the paper was set to reject candidates rather than select them. However, PPSC chairman Lt Gen (retd) MS Buttar, said the paper was set up after consulting top experts in the country. He said the aim was to test how deeply the candidate was familiar with the subject. “It is a competitive exam with relative merit. We don’t have any minimum passing marks and if the paper is tough, it is tough for everyone. The selected candidates would be 12 times the number of posts i.e. 120. Our aim is to shortlist candidates, who do not solely rely on the notes given by some coaching institutes. Due to a set pattern followed in the past several years, students relied heavily on the notes given by these institutes,” he said. Buttar further said over 24,000 candidates appeared in the exam and they would be given four days to register their objections with us. “The main written examinations will probably begin from the third week of July. Moreover, we are planning to hold the preliminary written exam of the Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Exams, 2014 by the end of 2014,” said Buttar. In 2013, a three-member committee headed by senior IAS officer Karan Avtar Singh proposed to get feedback and suggestions regarding the change in the pattern and syllabus of the Punjab State Civil Services Main Examination with effect from the next examination year.
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Need to diversify economy: Experts
Patiala, March 24 He said apart from agriculture, the government should also lay stress on the industrial growth of the state and develop the services sector. Singh said this would generate more jobs for the youth. He further said the state government should encourage Punjabis settled abroad to invest in the state.
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Notification on renaming Sunam disregarded
Faridkot, March 24 In reply to an application filed under the RTI by Rakesh Kumar, a Railways employee, the Department of Revenue and Rehabilitation informed that the notification could not be endorsed to the Union Ministry of Railways. Rakesh, who has also authored a book on the legendary martyr, said the information revealed that none of the Central or state government departments had been using the changed name. Stamps unavailable Information procured under the RTI Act revealed that several commemorative stamps were printed in limited quantities and sold for a much shorter period. For instance, a postal stamp was released in memory of Shaheed Udham Singh on July 31, 1992. The Postal Department in reply to a query said that stamps on a particular subject were issued only once. This led to a shortage of the stamps.
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YAD factions create ruckus at poll rally in Bassi Pathana
Bassi Pathana, March 24 The two factions got into an argument when district YAD president Ajaypal Singh Libra addressed the gathering instead of district SAD president Jagdeep Singh Cheema even though the latter was invited to do the same. Local MLA Nirmal Singh and SGPC members Avtar Singh Ria and district BJP president Rakesh Gupta were among those present at the rally. The protesting youths did not even pay heed to SAD-BJP poll candidate Kulwant Singh’s repeatedly pleas to remain calm. This forced the women present at the venue to leave. Irked over the youth brigade’s indiscipline, senior party leaders, including former MP Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Bassi Pathana SAD president (urban), too left the site. Both Cheema and Gupta termed the incident as unfortunate and said the incident would further damage the poll prospects of their candidate Kulwant Singh. Earlier, Chief Minsiter Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister had also advised party leaders to unite during their rallies in the constituency. But party cadres continue to be at loggerheads with each other.
The trigger *
The two factions got into an argument when district YAD president Ajaypal Libra addressed the gathering instead of district SAD president Jagdeep Singh Cheema *
Cheema was invited to address the gathering
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‘Abducted’ Hoshiarpur girl returns
Hoshiarpur, March 24 However, mystery prevails over her return. While her father claimed that a police team brought her back, the police said she returned on her own. Manjeet Kaur’s brother Harjinder Singh had yesterday alleged that he and his sister were going towards their cattle-shed when they were waylaid by unidentified persons wearing helmets. The accused thrashed Harjinder and abducted Manjeet, he had alleged. An FIR under Section 364 (kidnap/abduction with the intention of murder) was lodged. Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said the girl returned on her own. “She had a quarrel with her brother over a mobile phone. Fearing rebuke by her father, she left on her own. Her minor brother concocted the abduction story. Manjeet was produced in a local court where she accepted that she had left on her own,” he said. Her father Gulwinder Singh said he was too disturbed over the matter and that he did not want to discuss it. “My daughter is safe this is all that matters,” he added. However, yesterday the victim’s father had said he feared that his daughter had been kidnapped since she had refused to accept a bicycle under Mai Bhago Scheme.
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Gujarat farmers to campaign for AAP candidates in state
Chandigarh, March 24 Shergill, an advocate, is representing Punjabi farmers facing eviction in some parts of the Bhuj area in a case in the Supreme Court. Bhullar said almost all Punjabi farmers settled in Gujarat were supporters of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. “We will tell our relatives and friends in Punjab to support the party wholeheartedly”, he added. The team includes Prithi Singh, Jasvinder Singh, Jagjit Singh and Joginder Singh. Jasvinder Singh is a farmer who was attacked in his fields in Gujarat and remained hospitalised for weeks in Bhuj. “Another group of farmers will join us tomorrow”, said Bhullar. “Kejriwal was the only leader who during his Gujarat visit listened to our problems and assured help to us in Delhi,” said Bhullar. “We will urge the farming community in Punjab to vote for AAP candidates because the party will work for the farmers’ cause and make the agriculture sector profitable for them,” added
Bhullar.
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Bus with marriage guests rams into trailer; four killed
Abohar, March 24 The trailer, loaded with wood, was parked near Brahmasar village outside an industrial unit since yesterday due to some technical snag. The Rawatsar police said the daughter of Bhanwer Lal Meghwal of Delana village was married yesterday and his son was to be married today. He had hired a bus to ferry guests for his son Rakesh's marriage to Pohadka village near Rawatsar. Poor visibility due to fog reportedly caused the mishap. Bhanwer Lal (52) and Rakesh's maternal grandfather Mam Raj (72) died on the spot while Tola Ram (32) and Hari Ram (35) succumbed to their injuries later. A dozen injured passengers were admitted to the Civil Hospital at Rawatsar, eight of whom were shifted to the Hanumangarh district hospital. Rakesh and his friends were traveling in a car. They reached the accident site on reciving informaton about the mishap. Some passersby informed the police and assisted in extricating the victims from the bus, which was badly damaged.
Groom’s kin among 3 killed in another mishap Phillaur: Three members of a family belonging to Kaccha Machhiwara village
were killed while three others sustained injuries when the Zen car (PB-11B-3799) they were traveling in rammed into a tractor trailer near Kang village on the Phillaur-Rahon road on late Sunday night.They were returning from a marriage
party of their family member. The deceased are Taranjot Singh (22), younger
brother of the groom, Loveleen Singh and Karamjit Kaur of Kaccha Macchiwara. The injured — Gurwinder Kaur, Harwinder Singh and Sukhwinder Singh — were admitted in a nearby hospital. The police has arrested the tractor driver,
Ranjit Singh of Garcha village. — OC
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In Gurdaspur, AAP nominee goes full throttle; Cong, BJP yet to start campaign
Gurdaspur, March 24 Chottepur’s popularity amongst the rural masses is reflected from the fact that during the 2012 assembly elections, he garnered a massive 16,000 votes while contesting as an Independent from Qadian seat against big wigs such as former Cabinet minister SS Sekhwan and Charanjit Bajwa, wife of PPCC chief and sitting Gurdaspur Congress MP Partap Singh Bajwa. After the announcement of his candidature from a total of 114 nominations filed from the seat, Chottepur rejected the proposal of the district administration to give him security. An early riser, he meets scores of people at his Chottepur village residence, near Dhariwal, before he drives off to meet the masses with just his driver in tow. Not even a single vehicle accompanies him during his campaign trail. Chottepur also reached out to dissidents within the party. He pulled off a “master stroke” by managing get Davinder Darshi, a ticket contender and the president of Punjab Rajput Mahasabha, on his side. The Rajput community has a massive presence in the Vidhan Sabha seats of Bhoa, Sujanpur and Pathankot and has a total of nearly two lakh votes in the constituency. He has also been meeting disgruntled SAD-BJP cadre in both rural and urban areas. “During the SAD-BJP regime, the prices of sand and gravel has skyrocketed manifold,” he says. In areas where Congress MLAs rule the roost --- Qadian, Batala, Fatehgarh Churian, Dinanagar and Dera Baba Nanak --- he lambasts Partap Singh Bajwa, saying, “There is not even a single developmental initiative brought in by Bajwa during his five-year tenure as MP. This despite the fact that the Congress-led UPA government held the power at the Centre. His tall promises of starting a rail coach factory at Kalanaur and a World University at Pathankot have fallen flat. Not even a single job has been generated due to which youth are getting desperate and getting hooked to drugs.” His son Ajay Pal Singh, a postgraduate in human rights from Punjab University, manages his online campaign.
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‘Dowry’ death: Fazilka villagers allege police inaction
Fazilka, March 24 The protesters sat on the road for hours together despite rain, raising slogans against the police and the state government. Due to the dharna, the traffic had to be diverted through villages. Swarnjeet Kaur of Roranwali village, Amandeep’s mother, said her daughter was married to Jagmohan Singh of Chack Sohelewala village four years ago. She alleged that her daughter was poisoned by her in-laws and that they had been demanding dowry. Amandeep’s in-laws allegedly beat and harassed her. Swarnjeet said her daughter was “forcibly administered pesticide”, following which she got seriously ill and was admitted to a private hospital at Muktsar, where she died. Her post-mortem examination was conducted at the local Civil Hospital. The Sadar police, Jalalabad, had registered a case against her husband Jagmohan Singh, father-in-law Malkeet Singh and mother-in-law Charanjeet Kaur under Section 304-B of the IPC on February 28. The protesters alleged that the police was dilly-delaying in taking action against Jagmohan and Charanjeet due “pressure of ruling party leaders”. However, Amandeep’s father-in-law was arrested. The protesters met Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who represents Jalalabad assembly constituency, and complained him of police “apathy”. Sukhbir directed the Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to conduct an inquiry into the matter, who in turn directed Manmohan Sharma, Superintendent of Police (SP), Headquarters, to probe the matter. The SP told The Tribune that the inquiry report would be submitted soon. The protesters lifted the dharna after the police pacified them. Swarnjeet said if they did not get justice in a week, they would gherao the office of the
SSP.
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Power theft case
Faridkot, March 24 The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Faridkot, has granted bail to the SGPC member, Gurbinder Kaur, and Faridkot truck union president Ramandeep Singh --- both of whom are partners of a local rice mill. The court directed the duo to submit Rs 35,000 each as security deposit for their release on bail till the pendency of the case. In May 2010, a raid by the enforcement wing of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) had detected a power theft worth Rs 22.74 lakh at the rice mill, Farid Cotton Ginning Factory, owned by the accused. The PSPCL had issued a notice to the accused to pay the penalty. As this fine was not paid, a case was registered against the duo. However, due to the alleged political pressure, the legal proceedings could not be initiated in the last four years as the police did not present the challan in the court.aIn the run up to the Lok Sabha elections, opposition party leaders were blaming the Akali Dal for shielding the SGPC member, who was seen during many political events. Following this, the police filed the challan in last week.
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Fazilka, March 24 The book is authored by Lachhman Dost of Fazilka. It talks about the glorious past of the seven-decade old Fazilka town. The book showcases rare photographs of the Partition era highlighting major historical incidents. — OC
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Protest after student run over by bus
Tarn Taran, March 24 Agitated residents, led by village sarpanch Sukhraj Singh, squatted on the road. They demanded compensation for the aggrieved family and free treatment for the injured, identified as Sukhmandeep Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Gurjot Singh and Gurjit Singh, all students of Baba Ishar Singh Marhana Government Secondary School. They are reportedly out of danger. The bus (PB-05-M-6096) was going from Amritsar to Ferozepore. The driver and the conductor have absconded. The Harike police have registered a case. The protesters dispersed after the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies promised all help to the injured students and the family of the deceased.
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Armymen’s widows have right to benefits on remarriage: HC
Chandigarh, March 24 The assertion by a Division Bench came in the case of a Kargil martyr’s family. The Bench was of the view that any decision to the contrary may act as a discouragement for the widow to remarry. The issue hovering over the release of grants was raised by Gurmej Kaur in her petition against the State of Punjab and other respondents. She told the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Arun Palli that her son Sarj Singh Sandhu, a soldier in the Indian Army, was killed in
the Kargil conflict on May 16, 1999. Aged about 58, she told the court that her son had come on leave from the Army in March 1999 and got married. But, he had to join the duty within a week of his marriage and was martyred in the Kargil war. His wife left for her parental house after the bhog ceremony. The Bench was also told that the ex-gratia payment was divided between the mother and wife in equal proportion of Rs 1 lakh each. They also jointly applied for the grant of Rs 5 lakh for the construction of a house. But the benefit was given exclusively to the wife as the “Rules for Administration/Management of Punjab War Heroes Families Relief Fund” published by the state government as the “widowed spouse came in a category before the dependent parents”. As such, she filed the petition challenging the relevant clause and
for disbursement of Rs 2.5 lakh. Taking up the matter, the Bench asserted: “The dispute is being dragged on unnecessarily for the reason that the wife is not disputing that she is willing to even share the grant received from the State Government with the petitioner equally, even though the rules say to
the contrary. “As far as challenge to the rules is concerned, we find nothing illegal or improper in the same as a widow would have a life to live which is normally much longer than the parents. Thus, some benefits have been extended to the parents while others have been extended to the widow and the benefits of the widow are of a larger amount. “The fact that the widow has got remarried will not, in any manner, dilute the amount which has been paid to her as this would amount to a discouragement for remarriage of the widow”. The Bench before parting with the order asked the parties to appear before the District Mediation
Centre.
Case file *
Petitioner Gurmej Kaur's son Sarj Singh Sandhu, a soldier in the Indian Army, was killed in the Kargil conflict on May 16, 1999 *
But the benefit to the family was given exclusively to the wife as per the "Rules for Administration/Management of Punjab War Heroes Families Relief Fund" *
The petitioner challenged the relevant clause and sought
disbursement of Rs 2.5 lakh
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30 years on, HC relief for I-T officer
Chandigarh, March 24 MR Bhagat had joined the Income Tax Services in 1969. But before he demitted office in May 1995, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him after the loss of a pack containing jewellery worth Rs 70,000 on the intervening night of December 31, 1981 and January 1 1982. Taking up the issue, the Union Public Service Commission in its letter dated February 3, 2000, recommended 50 per cent cut in pension for three years. Acting on Bhagat’s plea, the tribunal modified the order to 20 per cent cut in pension for three years vide impugned order dated March 17, 2006. As the Centre’s appeal against the orders came up for hearing, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Arun Palli asserted: “What emerges is that the incident of 1981-82 remained unattended for 10 years and, three years prior to retirement, respondent MR Bhagat was served with a charge-sheet. “Not only that, it took 11 years post-retirement, to conclude the proceedings. It is these delays which had weighed with the tribunal. Not only that, it is not a case of any embezzlement or misappropriation found against the respondent causing any financial loss to the state exchequer for his personal gain with dishonest motive, but he was only found guilty of procedural lapses. “The aforesaid are the cogent reasons for the tribunal to have interfered with punishment of the reduction in punishment. Today, to interfere with the an impugned order would amount calling upon an 80-year-old man to suffer a cut of thirty per cent pension for a period of three years in question and pay this amount to the department, a course of action completely unacceptable to us. We are, thus, of the view that it is not a fit case to exercise our jurisdiction…. Dismissed”.
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Sukhpal Singh Khaira, PPCC spokesperson, in a complaint to Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath, has alleged unfair and politically motivated allocation of security personnel on instructions of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh and DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, especially to SAD loyalists in Muktsar district.
Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar has blamed his “friends” within the Congress for having remained hyperactive against him, resulting in his ouster from the Union Cabinet.
Dubbing his ouster as an “occupational hazard”, he said he still considered himself “privileged” as he had to pay a price in the line of duty.
Breaking his silence on the coal block allocation scam, which ultimately led to his resignation as the Union Law Minister in May last year, Ashwani Kumar, in an interview to The Tribune, admitted that his “own partymen conspired against him and that he was sacrificed because of his perceived proximity to the Prime Minister”.
Arun Jaitley is steering clear of any controversy related to Panthic issues, including Bluestar Memorial. Talking to mediapersons here today, he evaded a direct reply on his stand on the memorial, merely saying: “Our stand is clear and consistent, which has been already been put forth by our state unit. I don’t need to reiterate it.”
A hailstorm followed by incessant rain that started last night and halted in the afternoon today wreaked havoc in an area spread over 100 km radius on the
Punjab-Rajasthan border. Two breaches in sub-canals only worsened the situation for farmers, particularly wheat growers who were expecting a bumper crop.
Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal today met Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans, who has been sulking over thre party ticket to Pawan Kumar Tinu from the Jalandhar (SC) parliamentary constituency. He announced that Hans would oversee the election campaign of Bathinda MP Harsimrat
Kaur.
Four members of a marriage party, including father and maternal grandfather of the groom-to-be, were killed and 20 others sustainedinjuries when a private bus ferrying them rammed into a trailer parked along the Hanumangarh mega highway
in the neighbouring Rajasthan today.
Aam Aadmi Party’s Gurdaspur candidate Sucha Singh Chottepur has gone full throttle for his election campaign. The former minister has already completed a tour to all the nine segments that fall in the constituency even as the Congress and the BJP are yet to start canvassing for the elections.
Hundreds of residents of Roranwali village and nearby villages blocked traffic on the Jalalabad-Muktsar road near Ladhuwala village in Fazilka district today. They were protesting against the alleged inaction of police against the in-laws of Amandeep Kaur (27), who was “poisoned” to death on February 25.
An official spokesperson cautioned that no food supply inspector or political functionary should be allowed to distribute the foodgrain. 
In an interview with The Tribune today, Jaitley said: " We offered him the Amritsar seat. In fact, I spoke to him more than once, insisting that he should contest from Amritsar. Aware of certain complications, he suggested that I should contest the seat instead. He was persuasive and firm. Subsequently, BJP president Rajnath Singh askedhim to contest from another constituency like West Delhi or Kurukshetra, but he did not agree to it."
He asked Jaitley if he was as "mazboot" as he claimed himself to be, why then did it take him 40 years to find a constituency to contest the elections. "Strong leaders don’t use the backdoor to enter Parliament. It is you who is helpless and not me. 
